1.   TCF offers friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents.

o    We have learned through our own experiences that the death of a child, brother, sister, or grandchild has caused a pain that is best understood by others who have also experienced such a loss.

o    We focus on supporting parents, siblings, and grandparents in their journeys through grief.

o    We define the terms “parent,” “grandparent,” “brother,” and “sister” broadly, welcoming the bereaved from all family units.

2.      TCF believes that bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents can help each other toward a positive resolution of grief.

o    We understand that each bereaved person will find a unique path through grief.

o    We know that expressing our thoughts and feelings is integral to the healing process, and we focus our help to the bereaved by providing a safe, supportive environment for such expression.

o    We are a self-help group and thus do not offer professional psychotherapy or counseling.

o    We respect the professional community and welcome its support. We do not rely on the professional community for supervision or formal guidance.

3.   TCF reaches out across society’s barriers to all bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents.

o    We respect everyone’s beliefs and espouse no specific religious or philosophical ideology.

o    We welcome parents, siblings, and grandparents of all ages, grieving the death of a child, sibling, or grandchild of any age, and from any cause.

o    We do not charge individual dues or fees for participation in local chapter meetings.

o    We do not take sides on political issues or endorse political candidates.

o    We treat each other with care and respect, showing consideration for those with whom we may disagree.

4.   TCF understands that every member has individual needs and rights.

o    We never suggest that there is a “correct” way for a parent, sibling, or grandparent to grieve.

o    Everyone joining a local meeting deserves the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings. However, no one is compelled to do so.

o    All participants at a TCF gathering have the responsibility to listen.

5.   TCF reaches out to the bereaved primarily through our community of local chapters.

o    Local chapters are the bedrock of TCF, and regularly scheduled chapter meetings are the foundation of our service and support.

o    Chapter meetings are, above all, safe places where thoughts and feelings can be freely expressed, and where all participants can find care and friendship.

o    Chapters are self-managing, and operate within the principles, policies, and practices of TCF.

o    We honor those who lead our chapters as integral to TCF’s mission, and work to support them in their outreach.

6.   TCF chapters belong to their members.

o    We treat what is said in chapter meetings as confidential and privileged information.

o    We reserve the most intimate segment of chapter meetings—the sharing session—for those who are bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents.

o    We believe that the regularly scheduled chapter meeting should focus on sharing, service, and support. We recommend that issues of chapter administration be addressed outside these meetings.

7.   TCF chapters are coordinated nationally to extend help to each other, and to bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents everywhere.

o    TCF’s national operations are guided through its bylaws, policies, and procedures, and overseen by a board whose members are elected by its chapters and regional coordinators.

o    TCF’s national organization exists, first and foremost, to serve chapters in ways that extend our collective ability to reach those who need our help.

o    Our national organization also promotes compassionate responses to grief from those outside TCF, manages our relationship with TCF affiliates in other nations, and ensures the integrity of our operations and adherence to our principles.

o   As members of TCF, we acknowledge our responsibility to support our local and national goals by contributing, as best we can, our time, talent, and resources.

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TCF brochures may be purchased at a nominal cost through The Compassionate Friends by calling 877-969-0010 or by going to the Resource Section of The Compassionate Friends national website.